Insurance Revisited

As with most culture shock, the shock is only initial. It's kinda like jumping into a cold pool. That first plunge from toes to head (or head to toe if you dive) gives a tingling, rushing sensation that is uncomfortable, but after about 5 minutes, the body adjusts and makes do with its environment. I know there is a biology term for that adjustment, but I can't think of it right now.

So my insurance.

After losing a filling, getting a temporary one, getting a new, permanent, silver filling, having both upper back molars reshaped, took an x-ray, and had a full-scale cleaning, I still only had to pay about $100 in all. So I guess my insurance isn't all that terrible.

I think the most fascination part of the process was during the cleaning when the dental hygienist rubbed my teeth with purple ink and then made me rinse. Afterwards, she handed me a mirror and when I smiled, I was stunned to see purple streaks between and along some teeth. But I had just brushed! So then she took a model set of teeth and larger-than-usual toothbrush and showed me how to improve my technique.

I never knew what my parents paid, or didn't pay due to insurance coverage, for my dental check-ups in the States. However, I am relieved to know that I can get a full cleaning/check-up for under $30 thanks to my insurance. Next appointment is the day before my birthday, which by the way, is September 10th.

I should get my internet back next week. If I could moonwalk, I would. Then again... if I could dance, I would.

Culture Shock; April 2009 Edition

So there are things that I have become quite accustom to, and other that still need adjusting.

For example, insurance.

Granted, I didn't choose my insurance; it's just what is provided by the program. And I really shouldn't complain, because for my first job at age 23, having ANY kind of insurance is a plus.

But get this "logic"...

So dental insurance in Japan DOES NOT cover preventive visits. Translation: I cannot go to the dentist to have a check-up/once-over/cleaning and have my insurance cover it. The insurance company will only cover me if I actually have a problem.

Dear insurance company,
That is the stupidest policy I have ever heard. No wonder people in Japan have such bad teeth. They have to be in PAIN first! a-HEM, if you are in pain, it is too late!

By the way, I lost a filling on Saturday (dentist offices are closed on weekends) and won't be seen until Wednesday. While I am there, that dentist better give me the WORKS: x-ray, cleaning, new filling, etc, etc, etc, etc, and my insurance better cover it ALLLLLLLL.

I have been living off yogurt and soft foods like ramen noodles and chicken noodle soup. I am reminded of my horrific wisdom teeth experience... oi vey.

Otherwise, life is really good. More to come later when I get my internet back.